There's a lot of great anime out there, but some of them just stand out to me.
Azumanga Daioh**********WARNING: YOU WILL LAUGH............A LOT***
Highschool of the dead (HOTD)
Sekirei
Clannad ******WARNING: YOU WILL CRY*****
Higurashi

My all-time favorite. The art, the characters, the atmosphere, the music, and most importantly...the mystery! One of the most atmospheric series I have ever seen. I'm a big fan of horror, so maybe I'm biased. But I just love Higurashi,

Da Capo
Underrated compared to the big Key works, but in Japan it is just as popular. I watched this after the big Key works, and while I absolutely love Key with a passion, Da Capo had a very, very charming feel. I love all of the characters, too.

Clannad
As I said before, I love Key. And Clannad is probably my most favorite of their anime adaptions. The way the plot develops and the characters really grow...It is something special.

Shuffle!
I have a total weakness for visual novel-based harems and bishoujo. I love Nerine
The art is beautiful, the characters are great. The supernatural elements are interesting. Sure it is cliche, but for some reason I really like it.

Shugo Chara!
There is something so appealing about the sugary sweet series. It just makes me happy. Watched all 127 episodes. Want to watch them again. I'm a huge fan!

Code Geass: The only anime... heck ONLY tv show in general that is on par with films such as The Matrix/Lord of The Rings/Star Wars in my opinion. the story is extremely well thought out, told, and original (until season 2 but w/e) and the artwork is beautiful.

Really hard to actually have to pick a single favorite, but lets see here from my original viewing I would have to say Kenshin since he was so kind hearted throughout the series but bad circumstance caused serious tragedy later on. I loved Clannad for it's great story line and the huge clash between the characters it just kept me laughing xD. As for a just recent anime I would have to vote SAO simply because it clearly represents the technology I would love to be part of before it's to late. I can also say it was just a brilliant anime altogether with the fights and the love it was amazing..Honestly there's just so many great animes out there and i just seems impossible to pick just one

Definitely #1 is Fullmetal Alchemist (the Original Series and Brotherhood)
#2 Sword Art Online ( what can I say I'm a gamer, this Anime is a dream come true)
#3 Not to sure about this spot, but these are the candidates : Casshern Sins, Steins;Gate, GunXSword, Soul Eater, Eureka Seven, Cowboy Bebop, and Inuyasha.

When it comes down to a favorite I wouldn't know. Since I have watched so many it is kinda hard for me to pick out any individual show. But Guilty crown was amazing until it hit the end. Tengen Toppa Gurran Lagan was also a very worth while show to watch. If your into twisted shows I would suggest Future Dairy, that show had me on the edge of my seat, and also "When the cicadas cry", but that show has its dry episodes. So when it comes down to an individual favorite I wouldn't know.